Deuteronomy 24:8 - Priests guide purity laws carefully.

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

הִשָּׁמֶר בְּנֶגַע־הַצָּרַעַת לִשְׁמֹר מְאֹד וְלַעֲשׂוֹת כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יוֹרוּ אֶתְכֶם הַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִם תִּשְׁמְרוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת׃

English Translation

Take heed in the plague of żara῾at, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so you shall observe to do.

Transliteration

Hishamer b'nega-hatzara'at lishmor me'od v'la'asot k'chol asher-yoru etchem hakohanim halvi'im ka'asher tzivitim tishmeru la'asot.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִשָּׁ֧מֶר בְּנֶֽגַע־הַצָּרַ֛עַת לִשְׁמֹ֥ר מְאֹ֖ד וְלַעֲשׂ֑וֹת כְּכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁר־יוֹר֨וּ אֶתְכֶ֜ם הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים הַלְוִיִּ֛ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתִ֖ם תִּשְׁמְר֥וּ לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 24:8) instructs the Jewish people to be exceedingly careful regarding the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a supernatural affliction that could affect people, clothing, or houses. The Torah emphasizes strict adherence to the rulings of the Kohanim (priests) in diagnosing and treating this condition.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 24:8) clarifies that the phrase "הִשָּׁמֶר בְּנֶגַע־הַצָּרַעַת" ("Take heed in the plague of tzara'at") means one must be vigilant not to remove the signs of tzara'at before the Kohen examines it. This includes not cutting away the affected area or covering it up, as doing so would interfere with the Kohen’s judgment.

The Role of the Kohanim

The verse underscores the exclusive authority of the Kohanim in determining tzara'at, as Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:1) explains. Even if a person is a Torah scholar, they may not declare themselves or others impure or pure—this is solely the domain of the Kohanim.

Spiritual Dimensions of Tzara'at

The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at is not a medical condition but a spiritual affliction, often resulting from sins such as lashon hara (evil speech). The requirement to follow the Kohanim highlights the need for humility and submission to divine instruction in rectifying spiritual flaws.

Practical Halachic Implications

Deference to Kohanim: Even if one is knowledgeable, they must consult a Kohen for rulings on tzara'at (Sifrei Devarim 24:8).
No Human Intervention: One may not attempt to "heal" the affliction before the Kohen’s inspection (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 10:6).
Symbolic Lesson: The process teaches the importance of seeking spiritual guidance from authorized Torah authorities in all matters of halacha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 32a

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of heeding the teachings of the priests regarding the laws of leprosy (żara῾at).

📖 Yoma 73b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the authority of the priests in matters of ritual purity and impurity, particularly concerning leprosy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'plague of tzara'at' mentioned in Deuteronomy 24:8?
A: Tzara'at is often mistranslated as 'leprosy,' but in Jewish tradition, it refers to a spiritual affliction that manifests as discoloration on skin, clothing, or homes. The Torah teaches that it comes as a consequence of sins like lashon hara (evil speech) and arrogance, as explained in the Talmud (Arachin 15b). The priests (kohanim) were responsible for diagnosing and guiding the purification process.

Q: Why does the Torah emphasize listening to the priests about tzara'at?
A: The kohanim (priests) were given special wisdom to distinguish between pure and impure manifestations of tzara'at (Vayikra 13-14). Deuteronomy 24:8 stresses obedience to their rulings because this was a spiritual—not medical—matter. Rashi explains that disregarding their guidance would lead to further transgressions, showing the importance of Torah authority in halacha (Jewish law).

Q: How does the concept of tzara'at apply today?
A: While we no longer have the physical manifestation of tzara'at, the Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that its lessons remain relevant. The affliction served as a wake-up call for repentance, particularly for sins like gossip and pride. Today, we apply this by being mindful of our speech (shmirat halashon) and humbly seeking correction when we err, as emphasized in works like Chofetz Chaim.

Q: What does 'observe diligently' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'observe diligently' (לִשְׁמֹר מְאֹד) teaches that one must be meticulous in following the kohanim's instructions regarding tzara'at. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10) explains that this includes quarantining when required and completing the purification process—highlighting that spiritual growth demands active effort and attention to detail.